Former Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker Nwankwo Kanu has strongly backed the English Premier League champion, Arsenal, to shift their full focus and mentality toward winning the UEFA Champions League.
Kanu, who remains one of Arsenal’s most celebrated former players after helping the Gunners win two PL titles and two FA Cups, believes Arteta has restored Arsenal to the level where they can consistently challenge for major honours.
The former striker also played a key role in some of the club’s memorable successes under Arsene Wenger, making his assessment of the current Arsenal side particularly significant.
Following a Premier League title victory, the Arsenal legend expressed confidence that Mikel Arteta’s squad possesses the momentum and tactical discipline needed to conquer Europe.
Kanu, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995, noted that winning the English domestic league has given the players the ultimate confidence boost.
Heading into the European final, he highlighted that the unbeaten run in the tournament and the squad’s buoyant mood made it their time to finally lift the prestigious European trophy.
“If you look at Arsenal last season, they were the best team in that tournament (UCL),” he told Brila FM.
“Whenever they played, they showed their quality. But they should be more focused on the Champions League now.
“Arsenal should have won the Champions League. Given their style of football and the quality of their players, Arsenal could have won the Champions League.
“If you look at Arteta’s record, he came second in the league twice. It’s not easy, so there must be something special about him.”
“Everybody can see the progress Arsenal have made, but I don’t think Arteta gets enough credit for the job he’s doing.”
The 1996 Olympic gold medalist expressed confidence that Arsenal will be even stronger in the upcoming season, citing the continued development of the squad and the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
